Sweaters in Ireland: Best Styles, Fabrics, and How to Wear Them
When you live in Ireland, a sweater, a knitted upper-body garment designed for warmth and everyday wear. Also known as jersey or pullover, it’s not just fashion—it’s survival gear. You don’t buy one because it looks good on a mannequin. You buy it because it survives rain-slicked bus stops, drafty kitchens, and 10pm walks with the dog when the heating’s off. In Ireland, sweaters are worn from October to May, and often beyond. They’re layered under coats, tied around shoulders at pubs, and sometimes even worn to bed when the pipes groan.
The best Irish sweaters aren’t made for Instagram—they’re made for wool, a natural fiber prized for insulation, moisture-wicking, and durability. Merino wool is soft enough for next-to-skin wear. Aran wool, thick and textured, comes from sheep raised on the west coast and has been keeping fishermen dry for generations. Cotton blends? Fine for summer evenings. Synthetic fibers? Avoid them. They trap sweat, smell after one wash, and don’t breathe when you’re standing in a drizzle waiting for the bus. And let’s talk about fit: oversized? Only if you’re not planning to move. Slimmer cuts work better under jackets, and ribbed cuffs keep the cold out where it matters.
You’ll find sweaters in every Irish home—some bought from Dublin boutiques, others handed down from grandparents who knitted them by firelight. The ones that last are the ones with tight stitching, no pilling after three washes, and a collar that doesn’t stretch out like a rubber band. Brands like Bench make them for city life, but the real heroes are local makers using Irish wool. You don’t need ten sweaters. You need three: one for work, one for weekends, and one that’s seen better days but still keeps you warm when the power goes out.
What you wear under it matters too. A thin long-sleeve tee or thermal top is all you need. No need for bulky layers. And don’t forget the sleeves—rolled up, they’re the easiest way to signal you’re done with the cold. Sweaters in Ireland aren’t about looking polished. They’re about staying warm without having to turn the thermostat up. The ones that win? Simple. Thick. Made here. And they don’t cost a fortune.
Below, you’ll find real stories from Irish homes about what sweaters actually work, which fabrics to skip, how to fix a hole without knitting needles, and why your grandma’s old cardigan still beats anything on sale this season.
